Testimonials
Ryan
When I first started working with Mark, I’d already been training on my own for a little over a year, mostly learning through YouTube videos and social media. While I had built a good foundation, I felt like I’d reached a point where I needed expert guidance to progress further, particularly with strength training and improving my technique on the main compound lifts.
My main goal was to build strength and muscle, and to really dial in my form on movements like squats, deadlifts, and presses. Having someone with Mark’s expertise there in person—able to assess my technique, make real-time adjustments, and explain the finer details—was incredibly valuable.
Training with Mark also pushed me to train with a level of intensity I honestly wouldn’t have thought possible on my own. He challenged me to work harder, while making sure my technique stayed solid. On top of that, he reviewed my training programme and gave practical advice on how to make it more effective.
By the end of the three months, I had made significant strength gains, my technique across my lifts had improved noticeably, and my overall confidence in the gym had grown massively. I’d highly recommend Mark to anyone looking to improve their strength, technique, and confidence in the gym.
Joanne
I was struggling with my fitness and eating just giving up so I needed help to keep focused.
My goals we're to lose weight and improve my level of fitness and to get stronger so my body for example, my knees would hurt less.
My coaching experience as very positive, and encouraging, kept me on task and gave me the confidence to push myself further.
As a result of coaching I am more confidence in the gym that I could do more and push myself, felt better in myself as I felt fitter and stronger and kicked on from there .
I would 100%, recommend. The exercise plans he gives you are very well planned out and will give you a good overall workout.
John
Before I started training with Mark, I’d lost a lot of consistency with training. I was always heavily involved in sport, from swimming to rugby when growing up. Later weight training for rugby was core, so being active was normal for me.
After school and work life kicked in, training became much less structured and I no longer had the consistency or balanced routine that kept me strong and fit overall. I needed help rebuilding that structure and momentum again with a programme that actually suited me and kept me progressing.
My main goal was never really weight loss or strict dieting. I had always cared more about genuine strength, fitness and performance. Lifting the right way and feeling physically capable.
I joined Mark initially to rebuild my strength, improve my cardio again, keep my form strong and properly get back into training after spending around a year unable to consistently use the gym.
Training with Mark never felt like a typical PT experience. I see some trainers talk at clients, while others just let them drift through sessions without much engagement. Mark actually trains with you.
Not as in lifting the weights for you, but by communicating with you properly; keeping you engaged, focused, and motivated while lifting, then maintaining real conversation between sets. It creates a perfect balance and a rare, genuine relationship as you train with him week after week.
What stood out most was how well he understood where your limits actually were. He pushed you hard enough to progress and get the best out of yourself, but never to the point of overdoing it or risking burnout or injury
I still remember one of our first sessions when Mark had me increase the leg press from 160kg, where I had mentally capped myself, up to 180-200kg and told me to try it. I didn’t believe I could do it. He did. Then I found out I could. That is what Mark is brilliant at: helping you unlock more than you thought you had in you. (Not ego lifting)
Every session felt structured, focused, and tailored to how you were performing that day. He is excellent at keeping you engaged throughout, making sure your form, movement, and effort stay sharp rather than just letting you go through the motions.
The results honestly exceeded what I expected. I got back into some of the best shape I’d been in for years and rebuilt both my strength and cardio far beyond where I thought I’d get back to after such a long break from proper training.
Beyond the physical side, I also regained consistency and enjoyment in training again, which was probably the biggest long-term benefit.
I’d recommend Mark to anyone, especially people who want more than just a generic PT session.
What separates him is the combination of relatability, consistency, and genuine coaching ability. No matter what mood you came into the gym in, whether you were tired, stressed, motivated, or completely not feeling it, he always knew how to adapt the session while still making sure you got the absolute most from it.
You never felt judged, forced, or ignored. He has a way of pushing you to give your maximum effort while still making training enjoyable and mentally beneficial at the same time.
He’s genuinely one of the best coaches I’ve trained with because he combines strong technical knowledge with real people skills, which is something a lot of trainers are missing.
Simon
I started in the gym as a complete newbie after dealing with long-term health issues, including asthma. I was getting frequent chest infections (around 26 a year), and my consultant advised me to lose weight and improve my lung function. I tried on my own but wasn’t seeing any real results, which is when I decided to go down the personal training route with Mark.
My main goals were weight loss, improving my fitness, and increasing my overall stamina—while also managing my health conditions safely.
From the very beginning, Mark was understanding, professional, and supportive. I was open with him about my health issues, and he took everything on board. Going into my first session, I was nervous, but he immediately made me feel at ease.
He explained everything clearly and kept instructions simple, which really helped as I also have learning difficulties. His approach made training enjoyable while still making sure we were targeting the right muscle groups and progressing properly.
He also helped me set up MyFitnessPal, which became a key part of my routine. Mark guided me on nutrition, explaining the benefits of higher protein intake and helping me understand which foods were better choices. Importantly, he never judged if I went off track—he just supported me and kept me accountable.
With Mark’s support, I saw early progress and continued improvement over time. Physically, I dropped from 98.9kg to 93kg, and more importantly, my fitness and stamina improved significantly.
The biggest result for me was my health—my chest infections reduced from 26 a year down to just 3, which was life-changing.
I also saw a big improvement in my strength, confidence, and overall lifestyle. Training became something I wanted to do rather than something I felt I had to do.
I would 100% recommend Mark to anyone—especially those who are new to the gym, have health concerns, or need extra support and guidance.
He is understanding, professional, and knows exactly how to push you while still respecting your limits. He tailors everything to you personally, and you will see results if you follow his guidance.
He was always available to answer questions, especially around food choices, even when I was eating out—helping me stay on track while still enjoying life.
Honestly, if it wasn’t for Mark, I would probably still be stuck in a rut. Now, I genuinely enjoy the gym, look forward to every session, and feel like I’m continuing to improve my quality of life.
Nicola
When it came to the gym in general, I definitely wasn't getting my money's worth! I stuck to the machines for weights, running outside for cardio and generally yoga and pilates classes.
I hadn't considered a PT before but was actually insulted by one of the female PTs, booked an intro session with her, then saw sense and rebooked with Mark, who I'd never spoken to before.
During that initial session with him, he listened to my experiences, my apprehension re: certain parts of the gym and gave me a programme to work with. So, although I wasn't struggling with anything in particular, his approach inspired me to begin working with him as my PT to enable me to get more out of the gym.
Like a lot of women, I struggle with body dysmorphia, but I also have a history of eating disorder, which Mark wasn't aware of. I did tell him that I don't weigh myself and so he never pushed me to do so.
My initial goal was to have more fun at the gym. I also wanted to learn to use different equipment so that I could get a good workout regardless of how busy it was
I also wanted a bigger bum and smaller stomach.
I'd never been keen on the idea of a PT before so didn't have clear goals until after the first session.
I know that some women can be apprehensive about working with a male PT. Mark was absolutely amazing. He's very warm, with a good sense of humour and respectful of limits. When I told him I don't weigh myself, he didn't push it. Workouts were creative and really good fun.
I would see people using equipment in the gym and ask him to show me how to do the same. I also developed more interest in training and following online for ideas. When I asked Mark to show me how to emulate these, it was never an issue.
He showed me a range of workouts including smith machine, dumbbells, kettlebells, TRX, body weight and boxing. The boxing might be my favourite!
Mark also noticed pretty quickly that I prefer to be a bit antisocial in the gym so he drew up full body circuits for one area of the gym every time. I'm a busy working mum so being able to target everything in a workout is important.
My body has completely transformed and the impact on my mind and vulnerability to relapse has too.
Firstly, I look and feel strong. At 5'4" I'm still lean but I have clear muscle tone. I hadn't expected the full body transformation that I see now. I was always also really cold all the time and didn't know that muscles keep you warm!!
I've had to size up slightly in some clothes. Previously, that would have sent me spiralling but I know that this is the body that I work hard for and it needs a little more room. I feel better in my clothes now too and when I look back on pictures when I was thinner, I much prefer how I am now.
When I get highly stressed, this can trigger my body dysmorphia and feeling of fatness. I then get urges to restrict my intake. Since building muscle I don't give in to that because I know that I don't want to lose what I've gained. With all of the emaciation of celebrities we're seeing now, I can see that I want to stay strong and not be skinny and this has been life changing.
I also love that when I look over at the noisy boys in the gym who seem to need to grunt loudly when they lift that I often lift heavier, in silence!
I truly love the gym now. It is a space for me to look after me.
I would recommend Mark to everyone and anyone! He is extremely easy to relate to, actually listens and is creative in his recommendations.